Method and apparatus for storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rides

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.Nos. 61/002,888, filed Nov. 13, 2007, and 61/131,137, filed Jun. 6,2008, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of simulated surfingapparatuses and methods, and in particular, to a method and apparatusfor storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rideshaving a contoured or inclined ride surface, wherein by configuring theapparatus appropriately, the water ride can be made to be compact sothat it can be fitted and stored in a standard shipping container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sheet flow water rides have become popular in recent years. Thetechnology that Applicant has previously developed termed FlowRider®relates to a standing wave sheet flow water ride attraction adapted toinject a sheet flow of water under pressure onto a contoured or inclinedride surface. By injecting water under pressure in this manner, i.e., atsupercritical speed, the sheet flow is supported underneath by the ridesurface and conforms without breaking to the contours thereof. Thisallows a rider to perform water skimming and simulated surfing maneuverson the ride surface and sheet flow by using the force of gravity and theupward momentum created by the upward flow, wherein the rider canoscillate back and forth in substantial equilibrium while performingmaneuvers thereon.

Typically, these sheet flow water rides are considerably smaller andhave a smaller footprint than traditional water rides, such as wavepools, water slides and log rides, etc., and therefore, are lessexpensive to manufacture, construct and install than conventional waterrides. Nevertheless, one of the drawbacks of these water rides is thatthere is the potential for reduced throughput and therefore reducedcapacity. For example, in many cases, especially when smaller versionsof the water ride are installed, only a single rider may be able to ridethe water ride at any given time. Moreover, due to the nature of theride, it is often desirable for riders to spend a longer period of time,i.e., more than just a few seconds, riding on the water ride so thatthey can learn the skills necessary to ride it properly. Riders willalso need to ride it multiple times to achieve the skill sets necessaryto perform adequately.

Nevertheless, one of the main advantages of these water rides is that inaddition to being a participatory sport, they are also a great spectatorsport, i.e., they have the ability to attract spectators who may beinterested in watching the participants, even if they don't have adesire to ride the ride themselves. In this respect, in addition totraditional water theme parks and amusement parks, these water rideshave been popular and installed at restaurants, night clubs, bars, atthe beach, at private resorts, etc., and/or provided with loud speakersand colorful lights so that competitions and demonstrations can be heldthat customers would be willing to pay to watch. They have also beeninstalled at sporting goods stores and other businesses as a means ofattracting customers to their stores.

These water rides can also be used in connection with promotional and/orsponsorship activities by businesses that may be interested in using thewater ride as a means of promoting the products and/or services thatthey sell. For example, third party businesses may have an interest inusing the water ride at a planned promotional event or activity withsurfing as a theme, and in such case, they might want to have the waterride available at a remote location which could help promote theirproducts and/or services or other objective at that venue.

The ride surface itself also provides an excellent platform for theplacement of advertisements, banners and logos, etc., which can be thefocal point of not only spectators, but also photographers and specifictargeted marketing materials and brochures. For this reason, businessmay have an incentive to use the water ride in a variety of promotionalapplications outside the normal water theme park and amusement parkcontext. Even though throughput may be relatively low, many businessesmay have an interest in using these water rides as a means of attractingcustomers to their businesses, and/or promoting their products and/orservices.

For these reasons, it has been found that in some cases it is desirableto have a portable version of the water ride available, so that it canbe transported to and set up at remote locations where special eventsand/or activities might be held or planned, rather than having thempermanently installed in the ground at a theme park or amusement park.Indeed, by making them portable, these water rides can potentially beused much like a moon bounce at a children's party, or a band at awedding, etc., i.e., they can be the means by which third partybusinesses can provide entertainment for their guests, includingcustomers, employees and others they may invite to an activity or event.Although the sheet flow water ride concept may be more suited foryounger adults, it has the potential for mass appeal to the generalpublic at large, i.e., surfing is a popular iconic sport that hassignificant appeal to people of all ages throughout the world.

In the past, as shown in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,589, attemptshave been made to modularize these sheet flow water rides and theircomponents so that they can be disassembled, stored, transported, andthen re-assembled when necessary, and used at a remote site. Variouscomponents of the water ride, including the ride surface itself, weremodularized, and had to be broken down into several pieces, and thenassembled and disassembled, which disadvantageously increased the timeit took to set it up, wherein more manpower was required. This not onlyincreased the need to hire more laborers, but it also increased the timeit took to set it up. The modularization of the components also allowedseams to be formed which could potentially result in leaks on the ridesurface.

In Applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,676,530 and 7,367,894, water rides wereshown comprising a reinforced membrane material tensioned over asupporting framework which allowed the water ride to be relatively lightand capable of being manufactured and installed without expensive moldedcomposite fiberglass and concrete ride surfaces. Nevertheless, thespecific design of these water rides was not shown or intended to beportable.

What is needed therefore is a portable sheet flow water ride that can bestored and transported easily without having to assemble and disassembleseparate pieces for each set up, which can utilize integrated ridesurface components to avoid creating seams that could potentially leadto leaks, and which can be made compact so that it can be built on atrailer and stored and fitted into a standard shipping container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unlike previous attempts to modularize the applicant's sheet flow waterride invention, the present invention relates to a method and apparatusthat attempts to configure the water ride, including its ride surface,so that it can be stored and transported with greater ease, andassembled and disassembled with greater efficiency and reduced time,while being compact enough when stowed so that it can fit onto a trailerand be stored and fitted into a standard shipping container. Inparticular, the water ride of the present invention is preferably madeso that it folds and unfolds, and transforms easily, wherein when it isstowed, it is preferably capable of being arranged on a single trailerand stored in a single shipping container, and when it is deployed, itpreferably comprises a fully functioning and operational sheet flowwater ride similar to those that are land locked and permanentlyinstalled at theme parks and the like. And, unlike previous modularizedversions, which had multiple components with seams on the ride surfacethat could potentially leak, the components that are used in applicant'scurrent invention are integrated and formed with unitary members so asto avoid the possibility of leaks altogether.

The water ride of the present invention is preferably configured andbuilt onto an elongated transport vehicle or trailer with wheels shapedmuch like a standard trailer. The main central housing of the vehicleessentially forms a water catch basin for storing the water needed tooperate the water ride, including a forward portion for housing theinjection nozzles and pump, and a rearward portion on which is locatedthe ride entrance platform. The components above the housing andextending between the nozzles and entrance platform are preferablyadapted to form the ride surface which is preferably formed using aunitary reinforced membrane which folds and unfolds between stowed anddeployed positions. Preferably, there are two deployable walkwaysextended on either side of the ride surface which can be attachable ormade detachable.

In its deployed position, the water ride of the present inventionpreferably comprises a flexible inclined ride surface upon which a sheetflow of water can be propelled much like other water rides of this type.The ride surface is preferably longitudinally extended and made from asingle unitary stretched fabric or membrane material, such as thosedescribed in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,530. As in the case of thatinvention, the membrane is preferably suspended and pulled tight over asupporting framework along its longitudinal edges.

In the first embodiment, the fabric edges are preferably secured tomultiple support bars or posts that extend laterally from the centralhousing along either side of the ride surface. These support bars arepreferably adapted so that when they are deployed they are extendedoutward laterally, forming cantilevered support posts that progressivelyextend higher from front to back. Preferably, they form a series ofconnecting points that extend along an incline, which form the basis forthe slope of the ride surface. When the fabric is removed (or folded),and the water ride is stowed, the support bars are preferably swung upand folded along their hinges into a compact substantially verticalposition.

In the second embodiment, rather than having multiple support bars orposts that extend laterally outward from the central housing alongeither side of the ride surface, two integrated members can be providedthat accomplishes substantially the same objective. That is, rather thanusing individual support bars that are hinged and swing out to supportthe fabric, in this embodiment, preferably an integrated section can beswung out and expanded to provide support for the fabric on either side,wherein the integrated members can be deployed and expanded so that theycan extend outward laterally, forming cantilevered sections with a topsurface that progressively extends higher from front to back.Preferably, the integrated sections have a series of connecting pointsthat extend along the incline, which form the basis for connecting theride surface thereto, i.e., along the slope of the ride surface. In thisembodiment, when the integrated sections are swung up and stowed away,the fabric can remain in place and simply be folded up as a single piecerather than having to remove the fabric each time the water ride isstowed away. When the water ride is ready to be stowed, the integratedsections on either side are preferably swung up and folded along theirhinges, into a compact substantially vertical position, above thetrailer.

In both embodiments, the injection nozzles are preferably located in thefront housing and are preferably extended above the stretched fabricsuch that they can inject water under pressure onto the ride surface.The internal components of the front compartment preferably comprise notonly the nozzles and pump, but an inlet for drawing water from the catchbasin and injecting it onto the ride surface. On either side of thefront housing, there is preferably a pivoting extension platform withgrates that can provide additional standing room for participants in andaround the front of the ride.

In the first embodiment, the walkways are preferably capable of beingmounted to the support bars on either side of the ride surface, therebyforming inclined paths with railing thereon upon which participants canwalk. The walkways preferably extend laterally outward from the ridesurface, and extend longitudinally up from the front housing to the backentrance platform to allow participants to walk up the sides. Becausethe walkways are extended laterally outward, adjacent to the ridesurface, they also provide areas for viewing, as well as additionalegress means so that participants can easily exit from the water ride ifdesired.

In the second embodiment, the walkways also have railings but thewalkways themselves are preferably formed as part of the integratedsections. They are preferably hinged and mounted to the catch basin oneither side, such that when the integrated sections are deployed, thewalkway sections are also automatically deployed, thereby forminginclined paths upon which participants can walk. The walkways arepreferably compact enough so they can be swung up and stowed in avertical position above the trailer and fitted within a standardshipping container. As in the first embodiment, the walkways arepreferably extended longitudinally from the front to the back to allowparticipants to walk up. And because the walkways are preferablyextended adjacent to the ride surface, they also provide areas forviewing, as well as additional egress means for participants on the ridesurface if desired.

The back entrance platform is preferably extended above the ride surfaceso that it provides a standing area for participants to enter onto theride surface, i.e., from there they can maneuver onto the ride surfaceand against the oncoming sheet flow of water. The entrance platformpreferably has a grated floor through which water can pass. This way, asthe water flows up and over the incline of the ride surface it can flowthrough the grated floor, and down into the catch basin underneath. Fromthere, water can be collected in the catch basin and circulated backtoward the front housing where the pump and nozzles are located. Theentrance platform preferably comprises two pivoting extensions that canprovide additional standing room for the participants. Like the othercomponents, the platforms are preferably able to be pivoted upward andstowed in a substantially vertical position. The entrance platform isalso extended outward so that it can be connected to the walkways oneither side.

The wheels on the trailer are preferably housed within a recess so thatthey do not interfere with the placement of the trailer in a standardshipping container. The wheels are preferably retractable so that whenthe water ride is deployed, they allow the trailer to lay flat on theground. When the water ride is stowed, the wheels are preferablyextended out so that the trailer can be easily pulled.

In the first embodiment, the multiple support bars, as well as the twofront extension platforms, and the two back extensions on the entranceplatform, are preferably swung up and folded so that they are relativelycompact and extended in a substantially vertical position. These membersare preferably configured so that when they are stowed, the trailer canbe fitted within a standard shipping container.

In the second embodiment, the two integrated sections that comprise thewalkways, as well as the two front extension platforms, and the two backextensions on the entrance platform, are preferably swung up and foldedso that they are relatively compact and extended in a substantiallyvertical position. These components are preferably combined within theintegrated sections and configured so that when they are stowed, thetrailer can be fitted within a standard shipping container.

Exemplary features of the present invention are shown. Nevertheless, itshould be clear that not all of the features discussed are essential forthe present invention to operate and function properly and effectively.In this respect, two similar embodiments are shown having somewhatdifferent components and features. Substitutions for these and othercomponents are contemplated without departing from the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the portable sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention in its fully deployedposition;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sheet flow water ride attraction shown inFIG. 1 in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the sheet flow water ride attractionshown in FIG. 1 in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the sheet flow water ride attraction of FIG. 1in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the portable sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention in its stowed position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sheet flow water ride attraction shown inFIG. 5 in its stowed position;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the sheet flow water ride attractionshown in FIG. 5 in its stowed position;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the sheet flow water ride attraction of FIG. 5in its stowed position;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the multiplesupport bars with the water ride in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the multiplesupport bars with the water ride in its stowed position;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the portablesheet flow water ride attraction of the present invention in its fullydeployed position;

FIG. 11 a is a plan view of the sheet flow water ride attraction shownin FIG. 11 in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the sheet flow water ride attraction shown inFIG. 11 in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the sheet flow water ride attractionshown in FIG. 11 in its fully deployed position—shown without thegrates;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the sheet flow water ride attraction of FIG.11 in its fully deployed position;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the portable sheetflow water ride attraction of the present invention in its stowedposition;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the sheet flow water ride attraction shown inFIG. 15 in its stowed position;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the sheet flow water ride attractionshown in FIG. 15 in its stowed position;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the sheet flow water ride attraction of FIG.15 in its stowed position;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the arrangementof the integrated sections with the water ride in its fully deployedposition;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the arrangementof the integrated sections with the water ride in its stowed position;

FIG. 21 is a section view of the second embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the arrangementof the ride surface and side closure fabric that are connected to theintegrated sections of the water ride;

FIGS. 22 a and 22 b are section views of the second embodiment of thesheet flow water ride attraction of the present invention showing thearrangement of the vinyl side closure connected to the integratedsection of the water ride;

FIG. 23 a is the same view shown in FIG. 11 except that the detail forFIG. 23 b is shown;

FIG. 23 b shows a detail of the hinge of the second embodiment of thesheet flow water ride attraction of the present invention circled inFIG. 23 a; and

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the sheet flowwater ride attraction of the present invention showing the arrangementof the integrated sections with the water ride in a half deployedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the portable sheetflow water ride attraction of the present invention 1 in the deployedposition, preferably having water injection nozzles 3 on one end 4, astretched fabric ride surface 5 having an incline 6, an elevated gratedentrance platform 7 on the opposite end 8, and detachable walkways 9extending longitudinally on either side. Additional grated sections 10are preferably extended on either side of nozzle housing 12 foradditional standing room, and additional grated sections 32 arepreferably extended on either side of entrance platform 7 that connectto walkways 9. Arrows 13 show the direction of the flow of water on ridesurface 5, and lines 14 simply show an approximate edge of the sheetflow of water on ride surface 5 while the water ride is operating.Railings 15 are preferably provided on the sides of walkways 9.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, ride surface 5 is generally sloped at an anglewith an incline 6 that extends upward from nozzle end 4 to elevatedentrance platform 7 on end 8. Ride surface 5 is preferably made of asingle unitary stretched fabric or membrane 16 that is securedlongitudinally along its edges 46 by multiple bars 20, as shown in FIGS.1 and 9. Because fabric 16 forms ride surface 5, and is stretched andsuspended between multiple bars 20, the location of connectors 25 onmultiple bars 20 can dictate the shape and incline of ride surface 5.The tensioning of fabric 16 dictates how flexible or stiff ride surface5 will be.

FIG. 9 shows bars 20 extended out and up in their deployed positionsabout hinge line 21. Each bar 20 preferably has a lower hinge 22, alower segment 23, and an upper segment 24 bent in relation to lowersegment 23, as well as a fabric connector 25, which are preferablylocated at the bend between lower and upper segments 23, 24. When bars20 are deployed about their hinges 22, lower segments 23 are preferablyprogressively angled, as shown in FIG. 9, from front end 4 to back end8, whereas, upper segments 24, on the other hand, are preferably adaptedso that they extend substantially vertically in their deployedpositions.

It can be seen that lower segments 23 vary in length and angle relativeto hinges 22 to account for the slope of ride surface 5. For example,when bars 20 are fully deployed, the first bar 26 closest to nozzle end4 extends out about 10 degrees relative to horizontal, whereas, the lastbar 27, furthest from nozzle end 4, extends out about 45 to 60 degreesrelative to horizontal. In this manner, fabric connectors 25 on bars 20form a series of fastening points that extend upward along a slope, suchthat ride surface 5, which is attached to fabric connectors 25, followsalong the same slope.

In the center and extending longitudinally is preferably a unitaryconstruction water catch basin 17 extending below ride surface 5, whichpreferably extends from front end 4 to back end 8, and from nozzlehousing 12 to elevated entrance platform 7. That way, as water ispropelled onto ride surface 5, such as by nozzles 3, in the direction ofarrows 13, water can flow up and over incline 6, and pass through grates18, on elevated entrance platform 7, and then down into catch basin 17.As water collects in basin 17, water can be stored and then drawn by apump (not shown) inside nozzle housing 12, where nozzles 3 are located.

The outer perimeter shape of basin 17 can be seen in FIG. 1 extendingbelow grates 18 on entrance platform 7, and below grates 31 on extendedsections 10. The basin itself, by being unitary in construction andstructure, preferably prevents water from leaking out. Nevertheless, awaterproof membrane can be provided over basin 17 so that it can avoidfurther leaks. The membrane can be extended further up along lowersegments 23 of bars 20 to enable more water to be stored.

Water catch basin 17 is preferably formed as part of a trailer-likevehicle 30 upon which water ride 1 is situated, and is preferablyconfigured and dimensioned to fit within a standard shipping container.Trailer 30 preferably has wheels 19 that are retractable. When wheels 19are retracted, trailer 30 can rest on the ground. When wheels 19 areextended, trailer 30 can be easily rolled and pulled with a trailerhitch. Wheels 19 are preferably housed within a recessed section 34 oftrailer 30.

Two detachable walkways 9 with railings 15 are preferably adapted to beconnected to bars 20 and cantilevered outward from trailer 19 as shownin FIG. 4. When deployed, walkways 9 preferably extend along an inclineas shown in FIG. 2, which allows participants to walk up the walkwaytoward entrance platform 7. Walkways 9 are preferably extended adjacentto ride surface 5 longitudinally on either side, such that they functionas a viewing area, as well as exit platforms on which participants caneasily egress from ride surface 5.

FIGS. 5-8 and 10 show water ride 1 in its stowed position. For properstowing, walkways 9 are preferably removed and disassembled, and stored.Extended front platform sections 10 are preferably swung up above nozzlehousing 12 along a hinge 36 into a substantially vertical position. Backextensions 32 of entrance platform 7 are preferably swung up along ahinge 38 into a substantially vertical position. Bars 20 are preferablyswung up on hinges 22 along hinge line 21 into a substantially verticalposition—with lower segments 23 extending vertically. Wheels 19 arepreferably extended out of recessed section 34. Fabric 16 can be removedfrom bars 20 and folded, or, in some cases, fabric 16 can be left on andfolded up and stowed away. By making these adjustments, as can be seenin FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the entire water ride 1 is compact and preferablysuitable for storage in a standard shipping container.

Then, to deploy and set up water ride 1, the reverse steps can befollowed. For example, wheels 19 can preferably be extended up intorecessed section 34. Bars 20 are preferably swung down on hinges 22along hinge line 21 into a substantially extended lateral position—withlower segments 23 extending at various angles and upper segments 24extending vertically. Fabric 16 can then be attached to connectors 25 onbars 20 and spread out and pulled tight to form ride surface 5. Extendedfront platform sections 10 are then preferably swung down along a hinge36 into a substantially horizontal position and back extensions 32 ofentrance platform 7 are preferably swung down along hinge 38 into asubstantially horizontal position. Walkways 9 can then be reattached andset up. None of these steps are necessarily done in the order listed.

Most of the structural components of the present invention includingwithout limitation basin 17, bars 20, housing 12, entrance platform 18,walkways 9, railings 15, grated section 10 and extensions 32, can bemade with stainless steel or other durable and strong corrosionresistant material. Fabric 16 can be made using a suitable durablefabric or membrane material such as a reinforced polyester membranecoated on at least one side with a fluorinated polymer material such asrubber, polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF.The fabric can comprise of fibers or yarns such as carbon fiber,Kevlar™, rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF. The other areas ofthe water ride surrounding ride surface 5 are preferably covered with awaterproof padding consisting of foam with a water-impervious later orcoating on top.

2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 shows an overhead isometric view of a second embodiment of theportable sheet flow water ride attraction of the present invention 100in its deployed position, preferably having water injection nozzles 103in a grate covered housing 112 on one end 104, a stretched or tensionedfabric 116 forming a ride surface 105 having an incline 106, an elevatedgrated entrance platform 107 on the opposite end 108, and inclinedwalkways 109 extending longitudinally on either side, preferably grated.Additional grated extension sections 110 are preferably extended oneither side of nozzle housing 112 to provide additional standing roomfor the participants, and additional grated extension sections 132 arepreferably extended on either side of entrance platform 107. Preferably,these sections 110 and 132 are connected to walkways 109 to form acontinuous area for the participants to walk on. Railings (not shown inthese figures) are preferably connected to posts 184 provided around theouter perimeter of walkways 109 and other areas where necessary toprevent participants from falling. A detachable back wall 102 or railingis preferably provided along opposite end 108. A stairway 115 with aramp 190 is preferably provided in front of housing 112 along end 104.Arrows 113 show the direction of the flow of water on ride surface 105.

Extending longitudinally in the center and under ride surface 105 ispreferably a water catch basin 117, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, whichpreferably has no joints or seams and extends from front end 104 to backend 108, i.e., from nozzle housing 112 to elevated entrance platform107. Basin 117 is preferably similar to basin 17 and provides a meansfor collecting and storing the water injected onto ride surface 5 andcirculated through back end 108. That is, as water is propelled ontoride surface 105 by nozzles 103 in the direction of arrows 113, watercan flow up and over incline 106, and pass through grates 118 onelevated entrance platform 107, and then into catch basin 117 where thewater is collected and stored. And, as water collects in basin 117,water can be drawn by pump (not shown) inside nozzle housing 112,wherein nozzles 103, as shown in FIG. 16, can be used to inject a sheetflow of water onto ride surface 105 at the desired flow rate and volumeto produce a sheet flow of water upon which riding, surfing and skimmingmaneuvers can be performed. The outline of basin 117 can be seen in planview in FIG. 11 a (as a dashed line) extending below ride surface 105and entrance platform 107.

Basin 117 is preferably formed as a single unitary structure so thatthere are no joints or seams that could allow water to leak out. Watercatch basin 117 is preferably formed as part of a trailer-like vehicle130 upon which water ride 100 is situated, as shown in FIG. 12, and ispreferably configured and dimensioned to be fitted within a standardshipping container. Trailer 130 preferably has wheels 119 that areretractable as shown in FIG. 12. When wheels 119 are retracted, trailer130 can rest on the ground, and when wheels 119 are extended, trailer130 can be easily rolled and pulled with a trailer hitch. Wheels 119 arepreferably housed within a recessed section 134 of trailer 130.

FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 show pivoting integrated supportsections 152 extending longitudinally along the sides of basin 117.These sections 152 preferably extend from front end 104 to back end 108,wherein FIG. 17 shows sections 152 in their stowed position, and FIG. 19shows them in their deployed position. Integrated sections 152 arepreferably adapted to be pivoted and expanded outward to form alaterally extended framework, including sheaves 114, upon which fabric116 can be stretched to form ride surface 105, and on top of whichgrates can be provided as shown in FIG. 11. Sections 152 preferablycomprise laterally and vertically extended frame members 182 forsupporting the grates, as can be seen in FIGS. 17, 20 and 24. Sections152 also preferably comprise lower support members 154 that are extendedfrom hinge 122 (along hinge line 121) and capable of being swung up andout to provide support for each integrated section 152. As shown in FIG.23 b, each support member 154 preferably has hinges 122 that allow eachsupport member 154 and therefore each integrated section 152 to be swungdown from a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 20, to a deployedposition, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 23 a, and vice verse.

Integrated sections 152 preferably comprise a framework for supportingthe grating for walkways 109 as well as extension sections 110 and 132.Accordingly, once sections 152 are deployed, the framework for walkways109 and extensions 110 and 132 are automatically deployed as well,wherein the grating can then be added to complete the set up. FIG. 20shows integrated sections 152 with walkways 109 extended upward in theirstowed positions about hinges 122, whereas, FIGS. 13 and 19 showintegrated sections 152 with walkways 109 in their fully deployedlaterally extended positions. When deployed, walkways 109 allowparticipants to walk easily from stairway 115 to entrance platform 107,and because they are extended on either side of ride surface 105,longitudinally along either side, they can also function as viewingareas and exit platforms on which participants can easily egress fromride surface 105. As in the previous embodiment, walkways 109 arepreferably provided with grates and railings that are cantilevered out.In this embodiment, however, walkways 109 are preferably not detachablebut are integrated with sections 152 and therefore easier to deploy.

It can be seen that in this embodiment each support member 154 isextended out about the same length to support integrated sections 152 intheir extended positions. When integrated sections 152 are fullyextended and deployed, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23 a, support members154 are preferably extended out at an angle to support integratedsections 152 in their deployed positions relative to basin 117. Thishelps to support walkways 109 extending above sections 152. Extensions110 and 132 also help to hold sections 152 at the predeterminedposition. Nevertheless, each integrated section 152 preferably has anangled or inclined configuration that forms the slope or incline ofwalkway 109 as well as the incline or slope of ride surface 105.

Ride surface 105 preferably has an incline 106 that extends upward fromnozzle end 104 to elevated entrance platform 107 on end 108. Ridesurface 105 is preferably made of a single unitary stretched ortensioned fabric or membrane 116, as shown in FIG. 21, securedlongitudinally along its edges 146 with ride surface tensioning sheaves114 and cables 162 holding it in place. Fabric 116 is preferablystretched and suspended between tensioning sheaves 114 in this manner.The amount of tensioning provided by sheaves 114 can also determine howflexible or stiff ride surface 5 will be. A padded side closure 120 ispreferably provided above edges 146 longitudinally along ride surface105 for added protection, as shown in FIGS. 11, 11 a and 21.

Fabric 116 of ride surface 105 is preferably connected to cables 162,which in turn are connected to tensioning sheaves 114, which in turn areconnected to connectors 180, which in turn are connected to integratedsections 152, wherein ride surface 105 can be sloped and stretchedtightly between them. By connecting fabric 116 to sections 152 using aplurality of connectors 180, which are extended along an incline orslope as shown in FIG. 24, ride surface 105 can also be provided with asimilar incline or slope. The degree to which tensioned fabric 116 isstretched and pulled tight depends on the loads that are expected to beapplied on ride surface 105 and how much flexibility and tension isdesired. In the preferred embodiment, fabric 116 is preferably madeadjustable by virtue of being able to adjust tensioning sheave 114, andin some cases, it may also be desirable for fabric 116 to be madedetachable so that it can be removed and stored separately from trailer130. That way, the material will not be damaged along the way. But inthe preferred embodiment, fabric 116 is preferably maintained on sheaves114 and is capable of being folded up as a unitary piece when sections152 are stowed, which makes setting up and taking down easier.

As shown in FIG. 21, on the inside of each integrated section 152 thereis preferably a waterproof vinyl fabric or membrane 150 extended betweenconnection point 165 of sections 152 and basin 117 to facilitate theflow of water from ride surface 105 into basin 117. That is, water thatmay flow off of ride surface 105 will be able to flow down onto membrane150 and into basin 117. In this respect, gaps 156 are preferablyprovided between padded side closures 120 and ride surface 105, andbetween ride surface 105 and tensioning sheave 114, which allows waterto flow down the sides of ride surface 105 and into basin 117.

Membrane 150 preferably remains attached when water ride 100 is stowed,wherein membrane 150 can be collapsed into a folded position. Whensections 152 are deployed, membrane 150 is preferably pulled tightbetween points 165 on sections 152 and main trailer frame 160 on basin117. Membrane 150 is preferably unitary in construction to avoid leaksand can be attached using connections that can be made in anyconventional manner, such as with a C-channel, bolts, clamps, and a rodto prevent the membrane from pulling through the clamped opening.

FIGS. 15 to 18 and 20 show water ride 100 in its stowed position. Whenintegrated sections 152 are stowed, some of the grated sections, such asgrates on extension 110 on front end 104 and grates on extension 132 onback end 108 are preferably swung up or otherwise removed beforesections 152 can be raised and swung up. By making these adjustments, ascan be seen in FIGS. 17, 18 and 20, the entire water ride 100 ispreferably made compact and suitable for storage in a standard shippingcontainer. Wheels 119 are preferably extended to permit trailer 130 tobe rolled and pulled such as with a hitch, but can be raised ifnecessary to fit into a shipping container.

To deploy and set up water ride 100, one can simply unfold and swingdown integrated sections 152, and in such case, because walkways 109 areintegrated with sections 152, the walkways are automatically deployed aswell. Sections 152 are preferably lowered, as shown in FIG. 24, fromtheir stowed position, to their deployed position, which issubstantially extended out laterally. FIG. 24 shows sections 152 beinglowered about halfway as members 154 are being pivoted and loweredduring deployment. Members 154, in such case, can be pivoted down abouttheir hinges 122, until sections 152 are deployed and substantiallylaterally extended, as shown in FIG. 19. Sections 152 can be maintainedin their predetermined positions by conventional means.

By maintaining ride surface 105 (comprising tensioned fabric 116), aswell as membrane 150, on sections 152, those features will automaticallybe deployed when sections 152 are deployed. On the other hand, afterdeploying sections 152, it will still be necessary to install grating onhousing 112, extensions 110, walkways 109, extensions 132 and entranceplatform 107, such that water ride 100 will look more like FIG. 11(rather than FIG. 13). Railings can be installed on posts 184 located onintegrated sections 152 and railings or wall 102 can also be installed.Side walls 186 can be secured into position above ride surface 105 andagainst vertical framework members 182. Side walls 186 are preferablypadded and help to provide a barrier along the sides of ride surface105.

When it is time to take water ride 100 down, the same steps canessentially be taken but in a reverse order, i.e., the side walls 186,railings, and gratings from walkway 109, extensions 110 and 132, housing112 and entrance platform 107, will have to be removed first. Sections152 are then preferably raised, as shown in FIG. 24, from their deployedpositions, to their stowed positions, which is substantially vertical.FIG. 24 shows sections 152 being raised (or lowered) about halfway asmembers 154 are being pivoted and raised during stowing (or deploying).Members 154, in such case, can be pivoted up about their hinges 122,until sections 152 are stowed and substantially vertical, and form acompact configuration, as shown in FIG. 20.

Most of the structural components of the present invention includingwithout limitation basin 117, integrated sections 152, members 154 and182, housing 112, entrance platform 107, walkways 109, railings 115,grated sections 118 and extensions 110 and 132, can be made withstainless steel or other durable and strong corrosion resistantmaterial. Fabric 116 can be made using a suitable durable fabric ormembrane material such as a reinforced polyester membrane coated on atleast one side with a fluorinated polymer material such as rubber,polyurethane, latex, Teflon, fluorinated polymers, and/or PVDF. Thefabric can comprise of fibers or yarns such as carbon fiber, Kevlar™,rayon, nylon, polyester, PVC, and/or PVDF. The other areas of the waterride surrounding ride surface 105 are preferably covered with awaterproof padding consisting of foam with a water-impervious later orcoating on top.

1. A portable water ride comprising: a trailer having wheels and a watercatch basin for storing water; at least two supports pivotally connectedalong the longitudinal sides of said trailer wherein said supports arecapable of being pivoted between a lower deployed position and an upperstowed position; a flexible ride surface capable of being connected tosaid supports and tensioned between them; at least one nozzle and anozzle housing at a first end of said trailer and a platform at a secondend of said trailer opposite said first end; and wherein said supportscomprise a series of pivoting bars having lower and upper segments,wherein when said bars are in their deployed position, said uppersegments are extended substantially vertically, and when said bars arein their stowed position, said lower segments are extended substantiallyvertically.
 2. The water ride of claim 1, wherein a connector isprovided on each of said bars, wherein with said bars in their deployedposition, said connectors form a series of points along a slope suchthat when said ride surface is connected to said connectors, the slopeof said ride surface is determined substantially by said slope of saidconnectors.
 3. A portable water ride comprising: a trailer having awater catch basin for storing water; at least two supports pivotallyconnected along the longitudinal sides of said trailer wherein saidsupports are capable of being pivoted between a lower deployed positionand an upper stowed position; a flexible ride surface capable of beingconnected to said supports and tensioned between them; at least onenozzle at a first end of said trailer, and a platform at a second end ofsaid trailer opposite said first end; and wherein said supports comprisetwo longitudinally extended integrated support sections provided oneither side of said trailer, wherein said integrated sections comprise aframework for supporting said ride surface and enabling gratings and/orwalkways to be provided thereon.
 4. The water ride of claim 3, whereinsaid framework comprises connectors for supporting said ride surfacealong an incline and at least one sheave on either side thereof with atleast one cable for holding said flexible ride surface and keeping ittensioned between said sheaves.
 5. The water ride of claim 4 whereinsaid ride surface has a padded closure on either side thereof, alongwith sidewalls for providing a barrier between said ride surface andsaid framework.
 6. A portable water ride comprising: a trailer having awater catch basin for storing water; at least two supports pivotallyconnected along the longitudinal sides of said trailer wherein saidsupports are capable of being pivoted between a lower deployed positionand an upper stowed position; a flexible ride surface capable of beingconnected to said supports and tensioned between them: at least onenozzle at a first end of said trailer, and a platform at a second end ofsaid trailer opposite said first end; and wherein on either side of saidnozzle there is a first grated extension, and on either side of saidplatform there is a second grated extension, and wherein a walkway isprovided on either of said ride surface between said first and secondextensions.
 7. A portable water ride comprising: a trailer having awater catch basin for storing water; at least two supports pivotallyconnected along the longitudinal sides of said trailer wherein saidsupports are capable of being pivoted between a lower deployed positionand an upper stowed position; a flexible ride surface capable of beingconnected to said supports and tensioned between them; at least onenozzle at a first end of said trailer, and a platform at a second end ofsaid trailer portion opposite said first end; and wherein a walkway isextended on either side of said trailer and extended outward to provideegress means for participants on said ride surface and a walking surfaceextending from said first end to said second end.
 8. A portable waterride comprising: a trailer having a water catch basin for storing water;at least two supports pivotally connected along the longitudinal sidesof said trailer wherein said supports are capable of being pivotedbetween a lower deployed position and an upper stowed position; aflexible ride surface capable of being connected to said supports andtensioned between them; at least one nozzle at a first end of saidtrailer, and a platform at a second end of said trailer opposite saidfirst end; wherein said ride surface comprises a first membrane capableof being tensioned between said supports, wherein said first membrane isextended from said nozzle and upward toward said platform; and wherein asecond membrane is provided that extends below said first membrane andbetween said supports and said basin, wherein said second membrane helpsto drain water from said ride surface down into said basin.
 9. A methodof stowing and deploying a portable water ride comprising: providing atrailer having a water catch basin for storing water; pivotallyconnecting at least two supports along the longitudinal sides of saidtrailer wherein said supports are capable of being pivoted between alower deployed position and an upper stowed position; providing a seriesof connectors on each of said supports; providing a flexible ridesurface capable of being connected to said connectors and tensionedbetween said supports; providing a nozzle and a nozzle housing at afirst end of said trailer and providing a platform at a second end ofsaid trailer opposite said first end; and wherein said connectors form aseries of points along a slope such that when said ride surface isconnected to said connectors, the slope of said ride surface issubstantially determined by the slope of said connectors.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the method comprises the additional step ofproviding supports comprising a series of bars having lower and uppersegments on which said connectors are provided, wherein when said barsare in their deployed position, said upper segments are extendedsubstantially vertically, and when said bars are in their stowedposition, said lower segments are extended substantially vertically. 11.A method of stowing and deploying a portable water ride comprising:providing a trailer having a water catch basin for storing water;pivotally connecting at least two supports along the longitudinal sidesof said trailer wherein said supports are capable of being pivotedbetween a lower deployed position and an upper stowed position;providing a flexible ride surface capable of being tensioned betweensaid supports; providing at least one nozzle at a first end of saidtrailer and a platform at a second end of said trailer opposite saidfirst end; and providing two longitudinally extended integrated sectionson either side of said trailer, wherein said integrated sectionscomprise a framework for supporting said ride surface and enablinggratings and/or walkways to be supported thereon.
 12. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the method comprises the additional step of providingconnectors for supporting said ride surface along an incline andproviding at least one sheave on either side thereof with at least onecable for holding said flexible ride surface and keeping it tensionedbetween said sheaves.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the methodcomprises the additional step of providing a padded closure on eitherside of said ride surface, along with sidewalls for providing a barrierbetween said ride surface and said framework.
 14. A method of stowingand deploying a portable water ride comprising: providing a trailerhaving a water catch basin for storing water; pivotally connecting atleast two supports along the longitudinal sides of said trailer whereinsaid supports are capable of being pivoted between a lower deployedposition and an upper stowed position; providing a flexible ride surfacecapable of being tensioned between said supports; providing at least onenozzle at a first end of said trailer and a platform at a second end ofsaid trailer opposite said first end; and providing on either side ofsaid nozzle a first grated extension, and on either side of saidplatform a second grated extension, and providing a walkway on either ofsaid ride surface between said first and second extensions.
 15. A methodof stowing and deploying a portable water ride comprising: providing atrailer having a water catch basin for storing water; pivotallyconnecting at least two supports along the longitudinal sides of saidtrailer wherein said supports are capable of being pivoted between alower deployed position and an upper stowed position; providing aflexible ride surface capable of being tensioned between said supports;providing at least one nozzle at a first end of said trailer and aplatform at a second end of said trailer opposite said first end; andproviding a walkway extended on either side of said trailer and extendedoutward to provide egress means for participants on said ride surfaceand a walking surface with railings extending upward from said first endto said second end.
 16. A method of stowing and deploying a portablewater ride comprising: providing a trailer having a water catch basinfor storing water; pivotally connecting at least two supports along thelongitudinal sides of said trailer wherein said supports are capable ofbeing pivoted between a lower deployed position and an upper stowedposition; providing a flexible ride surface capable of being tensionedbetween said supports; providing at least one nozzle at a first end ofsaid trailer and a platform at a second end of said trailer oppositesaid first end; making said ride surface with a first membrane capableof being tensioned between said supports, wherein said first membrane isextended from said nozzle and upward toward said platform; and providinga second membrane that extends below said first membrane and betweensaid supports and said basin, wherein said second membrane helps todrain water from said ride surface down into said basin.